Downtown Sacramento

In this video, I highlight the arts community in Sacramento, showing the venues and hubs that artists go to express themselves and perform. Some of the highlights are Music Circus, Crest Theatre , and even venues such as Luna’s Cafe or Shine Sacramento. This video shines a light on art, music and performances in Sacramento.

The Warehouse Artist Lofts (WAL) located in downtown Sacramento is a new and exciting development in the R Street Corridor. WAL is considered one of the most creative and unique projects that was developed out of the iconic and historic Lawrence Building. The Lawrence Building, originally built in 1914, was transformed recently into a 116 unit residential complex. The 116 unit complex consists of units ranging in the size of studios to three bedrooms. Additionally, there is also a ground floor commercial and retail space. The complex has an on site laundry facility and a structured parking garage. While fostering communities of support and education, the warehouse provides innovative housing for Sacramento area artists.

WAL exists to encourage artists to collaborate and share their work and experience with other creative minded individuals. WAL was the vision of a local businessman. He wanted to provide an area/space where independent artists such as writers, dancers, photographers, musicians, and others in the industry would be able to live and work. He understood that many artists are faced with economic uncertainties while pursuing a career as an artist; therefore, personal money was used to develop and build the Warehouse Artist Lofts.

“We thrive to build a better community,” said James Kinloch, Community Director at WAL.

There are many amenities available to the residents of WAL. First, there are art exhibits depicting the work of a few of Sacramento area artists. Throughout each apartment, there are stainless steel appliances.

In many of the areas, there are large windows and high ceilings. On one floor, there is a performance/community room. The performance/community room can be utilized by the residents to conduct business, rehearse or host an event. A dance studio is available in the complex to accommodate the artist with the gift of dancing. There is also a rooftop space which includes a city view, outdoor garden, kids’ play area, and entertainment area. To ensure that the complex is maintained at all times, there is a residential manager. The residential manager, relocated from Seattle, Washington is also an artist specializing in music.

To reside at the WAL, individuals must meet special qualifications. Once an individual submits the application, he or she will undergo a screening process. For more information, visit www.cadanet.org/projects/thewal.

License approval is expected any day on Access Sacramento’s application to operate a low-power FM radio station from downtown Sacramento.

A 30-day public comment period closed Sunday without any filings being posted on the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) website.

“Getting a license is essentially a done-deal now,” said Shane Carpenter, Access Sacramento’s radio coordinator. “After creating radio programming for more than 25 years on cable television, it’s exciting to think we’ll actually be on over-the-air radio later this year.”

Once a license is granted, Access Sacramento will file for a construction permit with the FCC. This process specifies additional details about where equipment will be placed and how the station will be built.

Access Sacramento’s application predicts placement of the transmitter and antenna in downtown Sacramento, and the building owner has provided a “Letter of Reasonable Assurance” to demonstrate a good-faith intention to allow the new station to be built on the building’s existing tower.

“We already have nearly 60 radio producers and shows being created each week for our Cable TV and internet broadcasting,” said JoAnn Fuller, Chair of the Access Sacramento Board of Directors. “So we know Access would easily be able to provide 12 hours of good original programming every day once we get our license.”

Current programming includes talk and music shows, with a wide variety of approaches including informational programs that focus on politics, health, religious or cultural information.

“Our mission is to help Sacramento County residents to get their information, values and passion out into the community,” said Gary Martin, Access Sacramento Executive Director. “Making a Difference, One Voice at a Time, is our mission statement and we’re honored to being doing that for 28 years.”

Access Sacramento intends to offer existing radio producers the chance to continue their programs on the over-the-air station at the same times they are currently broadcast on Cable TV and the Internet. While some of the programs are live, most of the shows are pre-taped and played back through an automation system.

As the operator of two cable TV channels already, Access Sacramento provides its members low-cost technology training and access to professional equipment for radio and television program production. An annual membership involves attending a free orientation session and paying a $30 fee.

Information about the radio training classes and television workshops is available at the Access Sacramento website.

America’s reputation as the ‘Great Melting Pot’ is still intact in many ways. More specifically, Downtown Sacramento is a place where many different types of people come together to share ideas and ambitions. Whether you’re artist of a unique mural, or a street musicians, Downtown opens doors to many.